In short
The problem: A CV is your first impression with an employer, yet many candidates struggle to write one that's concise, well-formatted, and tailored to the role.
The solution: Craft a succinct 1-3 page CV with the right font, format, and skills. Tailor it to each role, include a strong career objective, and address any employment gaps, then have someone proofread it.
The result: A polished, targeted CV stands out from the pile, gets you through to interview, and moves you closer to landing your ideal job.
The perfect Hong Kong CV guide:
Your CV is the most important tool that you have to impress your potential employer. Know how to write a CV, and you’ll be on your way to securing the job of your dreams. Here is expert advice from one of the premier recruitment agencies in Hong Kong.
How to write a CV
There are many elements that you need to consider when crafting the perfect CV. Whether this is your first CV in your job search or you’ve decided to re-write an existing CV, you may have many questions such as, “How to write a CV?”, “How long should a CV be?” and “What information should I include?” You also have to consider how to tailor your CV and lay it out, as well as consider what format it should take, be it a digital resume or a more traditional form.
We’ve created the definitive guide to crafting the perfect resume. From how to write a CV; to knowing what you should include and exclude; to tips on how to lay out and tailor your CV - we’ll help you create the perfect CV that will get you the job you’ve been dreaming of.
What is a CV?
A CV is a written document of everything that relates to your work history. Your CV can include your experience, skills, achievements, education and qualifications. As your CV is often the first impression that your potential employer will have of you, it’s also one of the most important documents that you will ever create.
Your CV needs to be up to date, meticulously correct, and it’s essential to land a job, you won’t secure a first interview without it.
CV stands for Curriculum Vitae, which is Latin for ‘Course of life’. Technically, a resume is generally a shorter account of professional and educational history; whereas a CV is longer than a resume and more in depth, covering professional accomplishments, awards and recognitions.
How long should a CV be?
Your CV should be no longer than 3-4 pages long. If you are a student, you may not yet have a great deal of experience, so 1-2 pages is completely acceptable.
If you have several years’ worth of experience and accomplishments, however, it can be a challenge to keep it within the 3-4 page limit when writing a CV.
Remember that truly great CVs are short and succinct – so be sure to follow our guidelines as to what to include and exclude in your CV.
What is the best CV font?
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Every candidate wants to put their best font forward, particularly when it comes to their CV. Just like you shouldn't begin your CV with your "Activities and interests" section or allow it to creep onto five pages, the best CV font is one that covers a few bases.
Here are the best fonts for CV writing - see how they weigh in with your favourites.
How to write a career objective
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While often overlooked, career objectives are one of the most important parts of your CV as they complement your experience and skills and give prospective employers a sense of your work-related ambitions.
They don’t need to be particularly long to make an impact, but they do need to be well considered and well executed to be both meaningful and impressive.
Here are our tips on writing a career objective that wows every employer you encounter.
Putting your resume together
Now that you know what to put on a CV, make your first draft. Then, take a break and review it a few days later. With fresh eyes, you can be more objective.
Consider: Are my achievements relevant for the role that I want to apply for? How can I demonstrate that my skills are of value to the organisation?
Tailor your CV, and edit it as necessary. Finally, get a trusted friend to proofread your CV. You can spend all the time in the world crafting what to write on a CV, but all that time can be wasted with just one spelling mistake.
How to tailor your CV
Tailoring is the key to making a good CV great. If you ensure that the information is personalised specifically to the role and employer, your CV will stand out from the pack.
First, start with researching the role and employer, and identify what achievements or skills you have that are relevant for the job at hand.
Then, bring those achievements and skills to the forefront using these key tips.
How to format your CV correctly
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Having a well-presented CV is critical to securing your perfect job. It's not enough to have great content; your CV layout needs to be easy-to-read, professional and appealing.
Your hiring manager will have seen hundreds of different CVs. That means that it’s important that you follow the general standard when laying out and ordering the information, to help them navigate the content and to ensure your experience stands out.
Skills to include in your CV
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While the skills for your CV will vary according to the role you’re applying for, its seniority and the industry you work in, there are some skills that will always be valued by employers.
Here are our tips on the top five skills you should include on your CV.
CV templates and samples
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A CV template is used as a guide as to how a professional CV should be laid out. Resume templates also provide helpful information as to what content should be included in a CV. Often taking a ‘fill-in-the-blanks’ approach, a resume template can help to short-cut the time-intensive process that is creating the perfect CV.
There are thousands of CV templates and samples available online that can be downloaded and updated. Visit our CV templates page for CV samples including accounting and IT resumes.
How to explain career gaps in your resume
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Life can take you in unexpected directions, and you may have employment gaps. The important thing is how to make a resume that attends to these gaps.
Here are our tips on how to handle employment gaps in your resume.
How to make sure your CV stands out online
Your resume should remain the primary document you tailor for each job application. However, your online professional profile can also support your job search.Platforms such as LinkedIn can help employers and recruiters understand your experience, career history, and professional interests. Make sure your profile is consistent with your resume, especially when it comes to job titles, employment dates, skills, and achievements.Your online profile does not need to replace your resume. Instead, it should reinforce your professional story and make it easier for the right opportunities to find you.
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You can never invest too much time towards crafting the perfect CV. Even if you get the basics right, there are important nuances to consider that will help ensure that your CV gets to the top of the pile.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How long should a professional CV be?
A professional CV should typically be no longer than 3 to 4 pages. If you are a student or an entry-level applicant with limited work history, a shorter length of 1 to 2 pages is completely acceptable. The goal of a strong CV is to remain short, succinct, and highly relevant to the specific role you are targeting.
What is the difference between a CV and a resume?
While both documents detail your professional history, they differ in length and depth:
Resume: A shorter, high-level summary of your educational and professional background.
CV (Curriculum Vitae): A more comprehensive, in-depth document covering your full work history, achievements, professional accomplishments, awards, and recognitions.
How do you explain career gaps on a resume or CV?
To effectively handle employment gaps on a CV, focus on tailoring your layout and addressing the time off constructively. When updating your document, frame any periods between jobs by highlighting freelance work, skill development, or personal growth, and always ensure your remaining experience directly demonstrates your value to the prospective employer.
Why is tailoring your CV important for job applications?
Tailoring your CV is the key to standing out from other applicants because hiring managers often review hundreds of applications. Researching the role and employer beforehand means you can personalise your skills and achievements to match the job requirements, bringing your most relevant qualifications to the forefront of the document.
